Tonight I am a little discouraged about the 11th grade Catechism class I'm teaching this year. They're all pretty good kids, but do not seem to embrace learning about their Church, their faith. They seem so half-hearted (at best) about spending an 1-1/2 hours in the class. I've baked brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and this week I'm offering a movie. Oh, yes, they do eat the goodies. If they come just for those things, then at least they come, although I'm not sure they're listening to anything.
I have also been texting a very short scripture to them once a week. Today one of them texted back: "Stop texting me." I thought that was rude. That student willingly gave her number and it was explained at the time what it was for. She really couldn't take 5 seconds to read a meaningful text? Was it such a burden for her?
I thought back into my high school years trying to connect with the feeling that I did not want to learn about the Church, about God, the Bible, or Jesus. I was always a seeker. I understand that not everyone is, but I would assume at least a modicum of respect.
There was an article in the paper today identifying a 16-year-old high school student who was shot in the head recently. He passed away yesterday, the day after his 17th birthday. I'm sure at least a couple of my students knew him. Do the students in my Catechism class not want to learn a way to process this boy's death? Do they just shrug their shoulders and move on?
I wish I could engage them better, but, in the absence of that, I will pray for them.
I've wanted to post some thoughts on the deaths of Steve Jobs and Andy Rooney, but I found myself overwhelmed when I began to consider their extraordinary lives. They were both such fascinating characters - Jobs with his documented arrogance and Rooney for his unique view of life. They will be so missed. My favorite tidbits on their passing include the report that Jobs last words were: "Wow. Wow. Wow." For Rooney, I loved the post from someone who wondered what Andy would say about where he is now. I can only imagine that would be his best perspective ever.
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